Yes, America still has heroes. Although resisted by John Glenn, fame follows the astronaut who became the first American to orbit the earth in 1962. Glenn, who most recently captivated and inspired Americans of all ages with his return to space at age 77, chronicles for the first time his amazing life on land and in orbit. "John Glenn: A Memoir," written with Nick Taylor, is the November selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club.

Glenn's book provides an insider's account of the pioneering days of NASA and his historic selection to pilot the Friendship 7 spacecraft. Retiring from the Marines in 1965 after 23 illustrious years, he ran for the U.S. Senate, at the encouragement of Robert Kennedy, where he served for 24 years. From the rigors of training and the dangers of early rocket technology to working with world leaders, Glenn's perspective is unique. His adventure continues with his remarkable Discovery mission in 1998, 35 years after the exhilaration of his first journey into space.

Glenn's lifelong commitment to the service of his country has made this small-town boy from New Concord, Ohio a true American icon. It was also in New Concord where he met Annie Castor when both were still toddlers -- and with whom he would form a 56-year partnership in marriage, each supporting the other through their ups and downs. His formative years in a small town, during the Depression of the 1930s, showed him how determination, hard work and teamwork could overcome adversity.

At the evening forum, Glenn will be interviewed by Lou Dobbs, founder of CNN Financial News and former executive vice-president of CNN. Dobbs left CNN to become the chairman and CEO of space.com, considered the definitive site on the web devoted to space and space-related content.

Monday, Dec. 13, 1999

The Kentucky Author Forums are sponsored by the University of Louisville and recorded by WFPL radio and KET-TV. Glenn, who is expected to be accompanied by his wife Annie, will participate in a morning ground breaking ceremony for the new Gheens Science Center and Rauch Planetarium at Middleton Theatre, Strickler Hall, on the university Belknap Campus.

9 a.m. -- Reception and viewing of drawings.

9:30 a.m. -- Groundbreaking Ceremony.

10 a.m. -- John Glenn will speak to U of L students, faculty and staff at Bigelow Hall, Miller Information Technology Center. Seats are available first-come, first-served. The event is free. Copies of Glenn's book will be available for sale and autograph, through Hawley-Cooke Booksellers.

Glenn will also participate in a global chat room organized by NPR/Washington and originating from U of L. Those interested can chat with the Senator at www.npr.org at 12:30, Dec. 13

Kentucky Center for the Arts 5 Riverfront Plaza, Downtown Louisville

5 p.m. Hawley-Cooke Booksellers book sale and wine and cheese reception by Brown Forman, lobby

6 p.m. Conversation with John Glenn and Lou Dobbs in the Bomhard Theatre

7 p.m. Q & A followed by book signing on Bittners' stage set

A $16 ticket includes the above three events. A limited number of discounted tickets of $5 each are available for U of L students, faculty and staff at the KCA box office --U of L photo ID is required.

8:15 p.m. Dinner with the author, hosted by U of L President John Shumaker and Mrs Shumaker

A $100 package ticket includes the above events plus dinner with John Glenn. (Proceeds go to the nonprofit Kentucky Author Forum, $60 is tax-deductible.)

Tickets available at the Kentucky Center for the Arts, 502-584-7777 (1-800-775-7777)

A taped version of the event will be made available at The Louisville Free Public Library, St. Matthews/Eline Branch, 3940 Grandview Avenue, at 11 am, Dec. 14. There is no fee involved, but those interested must sign up in advance due to limited seating.

The Kentucky Author Forum series is produced by Mary Moss Greenebaum and sponsored by the University of Louisville in cooperation with Hawley-Cooke Booksellers; Brown-Forman Corp.; Bittners of Louisville; WFPL, Louisville's NPR Station for News; The Courier-Journal; KET, the Kentucky Network; and the Kentucky Center for the Arts.

624 West Main, Second Floor
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Phone 502.589.2884
Fax 502.589.4334
email KYFORUM@aol.com